Efecto de la adición de harinas no convencionales y reducción del contenido de sodio en productos reestructurados de macabil (Albula vulpes) / Effect of the addition of unconventional flours and low salt content on restructured bonefish (Albula vulpes) products

Resumen: Los productos acuáticos reestructurados se procesan principalmente a partir de especies de pescado infravaloradas, recortes de filetes o subproductos de especies de pescado no comerciales. Una de las pesquerías subvaloradas en el sur de México, es la del macabil (Albula vulpes). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la adición de harinas no convencionales y la reducción del nivel de cloruro de sodio en las propiedades mecánicas y funcionales de productos reestructurados de macabil. Se elaboraron reestructurados de macabil para analizar las muestras con harina de amaranto (HA) o harina de grillo (HG) doméstico (0 %, 5 % y 10 %) y tres niveles de sal (0 %, 1 % y 2 %). Se evaluó la pérdida de agua por cocción, la cantidad de agua extraíble y la textura de los geles. El uso de ambas harinas no convencionales disminuyó la pérdida de agua por cocción entre un 49.09 % y 61.97 %, con 1 % de sal. La adición de sal redujo el agua extraíble del reestructurado. Los valores de dureza variaron (P < 0.05) entre tratamientos. La mayor dureza se obtuvo en los tratamientos con HA al 10 % y sal al 1 % (64.55 N) y con HG al 10 % y sal al 2 % (63.50 N). La cohesividad varió de 0.53 a 0.71 (adimensional) en los tratamientos con 1 % y 2 % de sal, indicando pocos cambios en la estructura interna por efecto de los aditivos. Las harinas no convencionales permitieron la gelificación proteica, formando reestructurados con propiedades texturales adecuadas para un producto cárnico. La adición del 10 % de HG común o de HA y 1 % de uso de sal, en la formulación de reestructurados de pescado, ofrece una alternativa saludable en el desarrollo de alimentos de pescado.

Abstract: Restructured seafood products are primarily processed from undervalued fish species, fillet trimmings, or byproducts of non-commercial fish species. One of the underrated fisheries in southern Mexico is that of the bonefish (Albula vulpes). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding non-conventional flours and reducing the sodium chloride level on the mechanical and functional properties of restructured bonefish products. Bonefish restructured products were prepared to analyze samples with (0 %, 5 %, and 10 %) amaranth flour (AF) or cricket flour (CF) and three levels of salt (0 %, 1 % and 2 %). The cooking water loss, the amount of extractable water and the texture from gels were evaluated. The use of both non-conventional flours reduced cooking water loss by 49.09 % to 61.97 % with 1 % salt. The addition of salt reduced the extractable water in the restructured product. Hardness values varied (P < 0.05) among treatments. The highest hardness was obtained in treatments with 10 % AF and 1 % salt (64.55 N) and with 10 % CF and 2 % salt (63.50 N). Cohesiveness ranged from 0.53 to 0.71 (dimensionless) in treatments with 1 % and 2 % salt, indicating minimal changes in internal structure due to additives. Non-conventional flours allowed for protein gelation, forming restructured products with suitable textural properties for a meat product. The addition of 10 % CF or AF and 1 % salt in fish restructured product formulation offers a healthy alternative in the development of fish-based foods.

Effect of Organic Nutrients and Bio Fertilizers on Soil Parameters and Nutritional Content of Amaranth

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic nutrients and bio fertilizers on soil parameters and nutritional content of amaranth. Eleven treatments were taken in three replications and the experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD).The treatments were T1:RDF (60:30:20 kg NPK/ha), T2:Vermicompost @ 2 t/ha, T3:Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, T4:FYM 10 t/ha, T5:FYM 20t/ha, T6:Poultry manure 3t/ha, T7:Poultry manure 5 t/ha, T8:Vermicompost @ 2 t/ha+PSB+Azospirillum@ 5 kg/ha each, T9 :FYM @ 10t/ha+ PSB+Azospirillum@ 5 kg/ha each, T10:Poultry manure 3 t/ha+ PSB+Azospirillum@ 5 kg/ha each and T11: Untreated control. The highest vitamin C (147.8 mg/100 gm) and crude fibre content (1.48%) was observed in the treatment T8 and T4, respectively. Maximum calcium (8.36%) and iron (0.21%) content was observed in the treatment T8. The treatment T10 recorded the highest mean performance for PH, organic carbon, available nitrogen and potash content in the soil analyzed after harvest of the crop.

Development and Organoleptic Evaluation of Iron Rich Pancake Premix Using Spirulina and Super Flours

Since ancient times, poor nutrition has been the primary culprit of iron deficiency, especially in the school going adolescent girls. There may be a number of factors that contribute to this. The production of affordable, wholesome, and practical foods is a challenge for the food industry. Spirulina platensis, a microscopic and filamentous cyanobacterium is a blue-green algae that is considered to be one of the ancient life forms on Earth. To increase the nutritive value and to provide other vital nutrients, best wholesome cereals must be chosen over or in combination with refined flour. Here, quinoas, soy flour and amaranth come in the picture. The preparation of pancake premix and the final product was done in the department of food and nutrition, school of home sciences , BBAU Lucknow in the duration of nine months from September 2023 to May 2023. The assessment was successful and yielded genuine beneficial outcomes. The spirulina pan cakes excel in terms of flavour, aroma, and mouth feel. The panellists found the pancake's green tint to be somewhat objectionable.

Impacto de la germinación en los compuestos bioactivos de dos ecotipos de kiwicha de grano color negro y rosado (Amaranthus caudatus L.)

Las investigaciones en kiwicha de grano color negro y rosado (Amaranthus caudatus L.) son muy limitadas ocasionando la subutilización de estos ecotipos debido al desconocimiento de su potencial alimentario. Estos granos nativos deberían ser rescatados y valorados como una opción de alimento nutritivo empleando tecnologías sencillas como la germinación para mejorar sus cualidades nutricionales. El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar el impacto del periodo de germinación en los compuestos bioactivos de dos ecotipos de kiwicha de "grano color negro" y "grano color rosado". En un diseño experimental y comparativo se estudiaron los ecotipos de kiwicha (negro y rosado) y periodos de germinación (0, 24, 48 y 72 h). Se determinó: compuestos fenólicos totales, betalaínas, capacidad antioxidante, proteínas, grasas, cenizas y humedad. Al aumentar el periodo de germinación se incrementaron progresivamente los compuestos fenólicos totales, betalaínas, capacidad antioxidante, proteínas y cenizas en ambos granos de kiwicha; y disminuyeron gradualmente el contenido de grasas y humedad, comparado con el periodo cero (granos sin germinar). La exposición a periodos de germinación logró mayores contenidos de compuestos fenólicos totales, capacidad antioxidante, proteínas y cenizas en granos de kiwicha de color negro en comparación a granos de color rosado; sin embargo, los granos de color rosado obtuvieron contenidos de betalaínas y humedades superiores a los granos de color negro.

Research on black and pink-colored kiwicha grains (Amaranthus caudatus L.) is very limited, resulting in the underutilization of these ecotypes due to the lack of knowledge of their food potential. These native grains should be rescued and valued as a nutritious food option using simple technologies such as germination to improve their nutritional qualities. The objective of the research was to determine the impact of the germination period on the bioactive compounds of two ecotypes of kiwicha "black-colored grain" and "pink-colored grain". In an experimental and comparative design, kiwicha ecotypes (black and pink) and germination periods (0, 24, 48 and 72 h) were studied. The following were determined: total phenolic compounds, betalains, antioxidant capacity, protein, fat, ash and moisture. As the germination period increased, total phenolic compounds, betalains, antioxidant capacity, proteins and ashes progressively increased in both kiwicha grains; and fat and moisture content gradually decreased, compared to the zero period (ungerminated grains). Exposure to germination periods resulted in higher contents of total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, proteins and ashes in black-colored kiwicha grains compared to pink-colored grains; however, pink-colored grains obtained higher betalain and moisture content than black-colored grains.

The insertion of bioactive peptides at the C-terminal end of an 11S globulin changes the structural stability and improves the antihypertensive activity

BACKGROUND: The 11S globulin from amaranth is the most abundant storage protein in mature seeds and is well recognized for its nutritional value. We used this globulin to engineer a new protein by adding a four valinetyrosine antihypertensive peptide at its C-terminal end to improve its functionality. The new protein was named AMR5 and expressed in the Escherichia coli BL21-CodonPlus(DE3)-RIL strain using a custom medium (F8PW) designed for this work. RESULTS: The alternative medium allowed for the production of 652 mg/L expressed protein at the flask level, mostly in an insoluble form, and this protein was subjected to in vitro refolding. The spectrometric analysis suggests that the protein adopts a ß/α structure with a small increment of α-helix conformation relative to the native amaranth 11S globulin. Thermal and urea denaturation experiments determined apparent Tm and C1/2 values of 50.4°C and 3.04 M, respectively, thus indicating that the antihypertensive peptide insertion destabilized the modified protein relative to the native one. AMR5 hydrolyzed by trypsin and chymotrypsin showed 14- and 1.3-fold stronger inhibitory activity against angiotensin I-converting enzyme (IC50 of 0.034 mg/mL) than the unmodified protein and the previously reported amaranth acidic subunit modified with antihypertensive peptides, respectively. CONCLUSION: The inserted peptide decreases the structural stability of amaranth 11S globulin and improves its antihypertensive activity.

Modeling of particle size and energetic requirement in amaranth grain ball-milling / Modelado del requerimiento energético y del tamaño de partícula en la molienda de bolas del grano de amaranto

ABSTRACT Amaranth flour is of high nutritional value, which makes it a potential food. Grinding of the grains is a necessary operation to obtain products with physical properties that provide the food products with adequate characteristics. To analyze the effect of grinding velocity and time on the particle diameters and physical properties of Amaranth flour by ball mill, a Doehlert design with triplicate at the central point was used. The tests were carried out with the mass ratio (balls/samples) (R1:5). Granulometry curve of each design system was fitted to the Rosin-Ramler-Bennet and Holmes-Hukki equations. A found a very significant effect of the velocity on the particle diameters (D50, D63 and D80). The flour obtained were modeled satisfactorily (r2>0.99) by using the Rosin-Ramler-Bennet equation, where the homogeneity index of (n1) was obtained, which was directly influenced by the milling energy. By using the Holmes-Hukki model, were able to model the characteristic diameters with the grinding energy; a critical region was observed between 100μm and 200μm, where lost efficiency in the size reduction. The excess energy, released in the critical region, caused the decrease in starch crystallinity and structural changes in the protein, which affect the functional properties of the flour. The planetary mill is emerging as an effective mean of modifying the functional properties in the development of new food products.

RESUMEN La harina de amaranto es de alto valor nutricional, convirtiéndola en un alimento potencial. La molienda de los granos es una operación necesaria, para brindarle a los productos alimenticios unas adecuadas propiedades físicas. Para analizar el efecto de la velocidad y el tiempo de molienda sobre el diámetro de particular y las propiedades físicas de la harina obtenida por molienda de bolas, se usó un diseño experimental Doehlert, con réplica en el punto central. En las pruebas de molinería se tuvo en cuenta la relación masa de bolas/masa de muestra (R1:5). Las curvas de granulometría de cada punto del diseño experimental fueron modeladas por las ecuaciones de Rosin-Ramler-Bennet y Holmes-Hukki. Se encontró un efecto muy significativo de la velocidad de molienda sobre los diámetros característicos (D50, D63 y D80). El modelo de Rosin-Ramler-Bennet ajustó satisfactoriamente (r2>0.99), además, se obtuvo el índice de homogeneidad (n1), el cual, fue afectado directamente por la energía de molienda. El uso del modelo de Holmes-Hukki permitió relacionar el diámetro de partícula con la energía de molienda y se logró observar una región crítica entre 100μm y 200μm, donde hay una reducción en la eficiencia de la reducción de tamaño de partícula. El exceso de energía liberada en la región crítica causó el descenso en la cristalinidad del almidón y provocó cambios en la estructura de las proteínas, lo cual, modificó las propiedades físicas de la harina. El Molino planetario es una técnica emergente y efectiva para modificar las propiedades funcionales en el desarrollo de nuevo productos alimenticios.

Development and Evaluation of Amaranth-Soy-Wheat Composite Flours

Aims: Malnutrition among all ages is still a persistent problem in India, especially in areas where the poor largely depend on rice and wheat staples with limited access to diverse diets using underutilized foods. This study was conducted to nutritionally enhance traditional food products like roti and lapsi utilizing suitable composite flours based on amaranth, soybean and wheat without affecting their sensory quality. Study Design: Different combinations of amaranth, soybean and wheat flours were made to suit the quality characteristics of roti and lapsi. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Foods and Nutrition, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar (India), between January and June 2016. Methodology: The sensory evaluation of food products and estimation of nutritional composition of composite flours was done using standard procedures. Results: The composite flours having 25% amaranth, 15% soybean and 60% wheat flour and 25% amaranth, 10% soybean and 65% wheat flour were found to be most acceptable sensorially and were significantly superior to their control counterparts for protein, ash, fibre, carbohydrate calcium and iron content (p=.05). Conclusion: Roti made from amaranth and soybean incorporated composite flours with better protein quality and low available carbohydrates and physiological energy almost same as control would be better diet alternative to diabetic and overweight patients whereas lapsi may be effectively used as supplementary food. Many other traditional food products like laddoo, halwa, puri, parantha, burfi etc. may also be made from such composite flours.

Utilização de ingredientes sucedâneos ao trigo na elaboração de bolos sem glúten / Substitutes ingredients of wheat for making gluten-free cakes

Apesar do aumento da oferta de produtos sem glúten, observa-se ainda a limitação de opções no mercado de panificados. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as características físico-químicas e sensoriais de bolos formulados com farinhas substitutivas ao trigo. Duas formulações contendo farinhas mistas substitutivas ao trigo (amaranto, quinoa, soja e fécula de mandioca) e uma controle (contendo trigo) foram analisadas quanto às medições e composição centesimal. Coliformes totais, pH e acidez total titulável (ATT) foram determinados no 1° e 4° dias de armazenamento. Aceitação e preferência foram avaliadas por meio de testes sensoriais. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, seguida de testes paramétricos e não-paramétricos a 5% de probabilidade. Os bolos apresentaram características físicas de medições similares à formulação controle. A formulação com maior teor de soja apresentou maior teor de lipídios quando comparada com o controle. Os bolos com farinhas mistas obtiveram aceitação e preferência semelhantes entre si, porém inferiores à amostra controle. As amostras mantiveram-se estáveis quanto ao pH e ATT durante os quatro dias de armazenamento, não havendo crescimento de coliformes totais. Conclui-se que há viabilidade na formulação destes produtos com boa aceitação e valor nutricional agregado.

Despite the increase in the supply of gluten-free products, an option limitation in the bread-making market is still observed. The objective of this study was to determine the physicochemical and sensorial characteristics of the cakes formulated with the wheat substitute flours. Two formulations containing mixed wheat substitutes (amaranth, quinoa, soybean and cassava starch) and a control sample (containing wheat) were analyzed on the measurementsand proximate composition. Total coliforms, pH and titratable total acidity (TTA) were determined at the 1st and 4th days of storage. Acceptance and preference were assessed by means of sensory tests. The data were evaluated by the variance analysis, followed by parametric and non-parametric tests at 5% probability. The cakes presented physical characteristics of measurements similar to the control formulation. The formulation containing the highest soybean contents showed the major lipid contents when compared to the control. The mixedflour cakes had similar acceptance and preference, but lower than the control sample. The samples pH and TTA were stable during the four days of storage, and no growth of total coliforms occurred. Therefore, it is viable the formulation of these products with good acceptance andnutritional value.

Utilização de ingredientes sucedâneos ao trigo na elaboração de bolos sem glúten / Substitutes ingredients of wheat for making gluten-free cakes

Apesar do aumento da oferta de produtos sem glúten, observa-se ainda a limitação de opções no mercado de panificados. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as características físico-químicas e sensoriais de bolos formulados com farinhas substitutivas ao trigo. Duas formulações contendo farinhas mistas substitutivas ao trigo (amaranto, quinoa, soja e fécula de mandioca) e uma controle (contendo trigo) foram analisadas quanto às medições e composição centesimal. Coliformes totais, pH e acidez total titulável (ATT) foram determinados no 1° e 4° dias de armazenamento. Aceitação e preferência foram avaliadas por meio de testes sensoriais. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, seguida de testes paramétricos e não-paramétricos a 5% de probabilidade. Os bolos apresentaram características físicas de medições similares à formulação controle. A formulação com maior teor de soja apresentou maior teor de lipídios quando comparada com o controle. Os bolos com farinhas mistas obtiveram aceitação e preferência semelhantes entre si, porém inferiores à amostra controle. As amostras mantiveram-se estáveis quanto ao pH e ATT durante os quatro dias de armazenamento, não havendo crescimento de coliformes totais. Conclui-se que há viabilidade na formulação destes produtos com boa aceitação e valor nutricional agregado.

Despite the increase in the supply of gluten-free products, an option limitation in the bread-making market is still observed. The objective of this study was to determine the physicochemical and sensorial characteristics of the cakes formulated with the wheat substitute flours. Two formulations containing mixed wheat substitutes (amaranth, quinoa, soybean and cassava starch) and a control sample (containing wheat) were analyzed on the measurements and proximate composition. Total coliforms, pH and titratable total acidity (TTA) were determined at the 1st and 4th days of storage. Acceptance and preference were assessed by means of sensory tests. The data were evaluated by the variance analysis,followed by parametric and non-parametric tests at 5% probability. The cakes presented physical characteristics of measurements similar to the control formulation. The formulation containing the highest soybean contents showed the major lipid contents when compared to the control. The mixed-flour cakes had similar acceptance and preference, but lower than the control sample. The samples pH and TTA were stable during the four days of storage, and no growth of total coliforms occurred. Therefore, it is viable the formulation of these products with good acceptance and nutritional value.

Fuentes naturales de fitoesteroles y factores de producción que lo modifican / Natural sources of phytosterols and production factors that modify them

Actualmente los fitoesteroles son adicionados a los alimentos industrializados, lo que aumenta su costo y por lo tanto limita su consumo. Este manuscrito tiene como objetivo identificar alimentos que son una fuente natural de fitoesteroles, así como también analizar cómo el ambiente y el manejo productivo modifican su contenido, relacionando estos aspectos con la salud. Los fitoesteroles son compuestos presentes en las plantas con propiedades hipocolesterolémicas, que pueden contribuir a prevenir las enfermedades cardiovasculares. La ingesta diaria estimada de fitoesteroles varía entre 160 y 500 mg/día, sin embargo su acción beneficiosa se logra con consumos de 1500 mg a 2400 mg diarios. Las semillas de oleaginosas y de cereales son las mayores fuentes naturales de fitoesteroles. El amaranto es considerado un pseudocereal y entre los cereales tiene la mayor concentración de fitoesteroles con 178 mg/100 g, valor 5 veces superior al de la harina de trigo. El ambiente modifica el contenido de fitoesteroles de los alimentos, la sequía y temperaturas altas duplican su contenido en las semillas; la fertilización nitrogenada y la fecha de siembra pueden provocar cambios, pero se requieren más estudios al respecto. La selección de genotipos con mayor contenido de fitoesteroles y el estudio de la interacción genotipo ambiente, permitirá la identificación de aquellos genotipos con adaptación local para este carácter. El manejo productivo podrá aumentar la oferta de alimentos naturales ricos en fitoesteroles, contribuyendo a una mayor oferta de alimentos protectores de la salud(AU)

Currently phytosterols are added to processed foods, which increase their cost and therefore limits its use. This manuscript aims to identify foods that are a natural source of phytosterols, as well as analyze how the environment and production management modify its content, linking these aspects with health. Phytosterols are compounds found in plants with hypocholesterolemic properties, which may help prevent cardiovascular diseases. The estimated daily intake of phytosterols varies between 160 and 500 mg/day, but its beneficial effect is achieved with 1,500 to 2,400 mg daily consumption. Oil and cereal seeds are the largest natural sources of phytosterols. Amaranth is considered a pseudocereal and among the cereals has the highest concentration of phytosterols with 178 mg/100 g, value 5 times higher than wheat flour. Environment modifies phytosterol content in food, drought and high temperatures can double their content in seeds; nitrogen fertilization and planting date can cause changes, but more studies are needed. The selection of genotypes with higher phytosterol content and studying the genotype x environment interaction, allow the identification of those genotypes with local adaptation for this character. The production management will increase the supply of natural foods rich in phytosterols, contributing to a greater supply of health protective foods(AU)

Modulation of Melanin Synthesis by Amaranthus spp. L Seed Extract in Melan-a Cells

Anti-melanogenic effects of amaranth (AT), one of the key source of squalene, were investigated in melanocytes. Amaranth seed powder was extracted with water and melan-a cells were treated with various concentrations of AT. By using HPLC, content of myo-inositol, one of potential active components, was measured in the crude extract of AT.AT reduced the melanin content in melan-a melanocytes and down-regulated melanogenic enzyme activity such as tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2. By regulating melanogenic enzyme activity, AT may be a potential natural source for whitening agent. Myo-inositol was detected in AT by HPLC and may be one of the active compounds from AT involved in the regulation of anti-melanogenesis. In this study, we demonstrated that AT has anti-melanogenesis properties. This new function of amaranth may be useful in the development of new skin-whitening products and its value as food.

Determination of gallic acid in Quanshen pieces of two different colors by HPCE / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To establish a high-performance capillary electrophoresis (CE) method for determinating gallic acid in commercial Quanshen pieces of two different colors, amaranth and brownish red. METHODS: CE-UV method was used in the following condition: BGE 20 mmol·L-1 sodium borate solution, voltage 20 kV, detection wavelength 290 nm, sample injection 10 s at 5 kPa, capillary temperature room temperature. RESULTS: A quantitative method was successfully developed to determine gallic acid in Quanshen pieces within 6 min. The contents of gallic acid in 7 batches of amaranth colored Quanshen pieces were 2.70% (Hubei province), 12.08% and 7.79% (Shandong province), 2.01%, 5.78%, 6.97%, and 4.22% (Hebei province), respectively. The contents of gallic acid in brownish red colored Quanshen pieces were 1.35% (Hubei province), 1.81% and 3.42% (Shandong province), 1.87%, 3.42%, 0.44%, and 1.52% (Hebei province), respectively. CONCLUSION: The method is rapid, economical and simple and can provide a powerful quality control measure for Quanshen pieces. The contents of gallic acid in the amaranth colored Quanshen pieces are higher than those in the brownish red colored pieces.

Rapid detection of Chinese herbal medicine dyed by auramine O, amaranth and sunset yellow by ion mobility spectrometry / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To develop a fast detecting method for three dyes (auramine O, amaranth and sunset yellow) illegally added into Chinese herbal medicine by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). METHODS: The analysis was performed on ion mobility spectrometry, with source voltage 1 800 V for negative source and 2 300 V for positive source, drift tube voltage 7 500 V, gas inlet temperature 180℃, drift tube temperature 180℃, gate voltage 45 V, gate pulse width 120 μs, drift gas flow 1.2 L·min-1, exhaust pump 0.8 L·min-1, run time 30 s and spectrum length 25 ms. The samples were extracted by methanol, and then injected into the IMS system. The judgement of whether dye was added or not was made by comparing the migration time of the test samples with that of the reference substances. RESULTS: The auramine O, amaranth and sunset yellow could be rapidly identified. The minimum detection concentration of each compound was determined according to the signal to noise ratio (S/N) of 3. CONCLUSION: The IMS method for detecting auramine O, amaranth and sunset yellow illegally added into Chinese herbal medicine is simple, rapid and expected to be used as an initial screening method in drug rapid detecting system.

El Amaranto como Fuente de Reforzamiento: Un Estudio con Roedores / Amaranth as Reinforcement Source: A Rodent Study

Resumen: El presente estudio evalúa el amaranto como una alternativa a los reforzadores que se utilizan en la actualidad en los laboratorios experimentales con roedores. Se compararon diversos elementos como la preferencia de consumo, la motivación y el valor reforzante entre tres tipos de alimentos (dos tipos de pellets y amaranto) mediante cuatro experimentos con laberinto radial y consumo libre en 11 ratas de la cepa Wistar. Los resultados muestran que el amaranto tiene un alto valor reforzante ya que, se observó preferencia por su consumo comparado con los demás alimentos. Se propone al amaranto como una buena alternativa para usarse como reforzador con varias ventajas como la preferencia de consumo, su valor reforzante, su fácil accesibilidad en el país y que es más económico que los pellets importados.

Abstract: This study evaluates amaranth as an alternative to reinforcers which are currently used in experimental laboratories with rodents. We compared some elements such as consumer preference, motivation and reinforcing value of three types of food (two types of pellets and amaranth) through four experiments with free radial maze and free consumption in 11 Wistar rats. The results show that amaranth has a high reinforcing value. Also, there was a preference for amaranth consumption compared with the other two reinforcers. Amaranth is proposed as a good alternative for use as a reinforcer with several advantages such as consumer preference, its reinforcing value, accessibility in the country and that it is cheaper than the usual pellets.

Carotene content of coriander leaves (Coriandrum sativum), Amaranth, Red (Amaranthus Sp, Green garlic (Allium sativum) and Mogri (Raphanus caudatus) and its products.

Food based approach is a more practical and sustainable approach to combat micronutrient deficiencies including vitamin A deficiency in India. However several gaps of knowledge with respect to the stability of β- carotene from foods and therefore its bioavailability exist. The present study aimed to assess the total and beta- carotene content of 4 vegetables (Coriandum sativum), Amaranth, Red (Amaranthus sp); Green garlic (Allium Sativum) and Mogri (Raphanus caudatus); and study the stability of beta carotene using minimal processing and addition of weak acids from foods, and product development using of coriander leaves. Results indicate that among the four vegetables, beta-carotene content of coriander was highest (2921.79 μg / 100 g) and lowest for mogri (425.15μg/100g). When coriander leaves were macerated alone in an electric mixer grinder and with green chilies, lemon or both, retention of beta carotene was 72.3%, 149.81%, 98.2%, and 182% resp. indicating the enhancing effects of green chillies and lemon juice of β- carotene retention. The fresh coriander leaves when incorporated into a recipe retained 75.47% of total carotene and 74.185 of β- carotene and was found to be highly acceptable using the composite score and hedonic test. The study indicates that minimal processing and usage of green chillies and lime in carotene rich foods enhance its retention. Efforts should be directed towards development of acceptable recipes incorporating green leafy vegetables and thereby resulting in an increased intake of β-carotene rich indigenous foods.

Capacidad antioxidante de subproductos de semillas de amaranto (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) / Antioxidant capacity of byproducts from amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) seeds

Se evaluó la capacidad antioxidante (CA) en subproductos de semillas de amaranto (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) de dos parcelas de cultivo, en función de tres métodos de extracción y dos disolventes, a tres concentraciones diferentes. En una primera etapa, se evaluó el efecto del método de extracción (homogeneización, ultrasonido de baja frecuencia y la combinación homogeneización-ultrasonido) y del disolvente de extracción (metanol o etanol, al 100%); en una segunda etapa, se evaluó el efecto de la concentración del disolvente de extracción (100%, 70% o 50%). La CA se determinó por inhibición del radical DPPH▪, expresándola en mg Equivalentes de Trolox (ET)/g materia seca; los compuestos fenólicos totales (FT) se determinaron mediante el ensayo de Folin-Ciocalteu, expresándolos como Equivalentes de Ácido Gálico (EAG)/g materia seca. Los compuestos antioxidantes se identificaron mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas. Para la CA, no existe diferencia significativa (p>0,05) entre los métodos de extracción estudiados, mientras que si la hay (p<0,05) entre disolventes (3,39 y 1,28 mg ET/g materia seca, con metanol y etanol, respectivamente). Para FT, no hay diferencia significativa (p>0,05) entre disolventes al usarlos diluidos, sólo al emplearlos al 100%; mientras que para CA sí hay efecto de la concentración del disolvente, obteniendo mayores valores de CA al utilizar los disolventes al 50% (21,34 y 21,82 mg ET/g materia seca, con metanol y etanol, respectivamente). El análisis cualitativo de los extractos mostró la presencia de escualeno y 2,5- bis (1,1-dimetiletil) fenol como los principales compuestos con capacidad antioxidante.

The antioxidant capacity (CA) of byproducts from amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) seeds from two harvest parcels as a function of three extraction methods and two solvents was evaluated. On a first stage the effect of extraction method (homogenization, low frequency ultrasound, or the combination homogenization-ultrasound) and extraction solvent (methanol or ethanol, 100%) were evaluated; on a second stage, the effect of extraction solvent concentration (100%, 70%, or 50%) was evaluated. CA was determined by DPPH▪ inhibition, which was expressed as mg Equivalents of Trolox (ET)/g dry matter (DM). Total Phenolic compounds (FT) were determined by means of the Folin- Ciocalteu assay and expressed as Equivalents of Gallic Acid (EGA)/g DM. Antioxidant compounds were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. For CA, there was not significant difference (p>0,05) among extraction methods, but there was significant difference (p<0,05) between solvents (3,39 and 1,28 mg ET/g DM, with methanol and ethanol, respectively). For FT, there was not significant difference (p>0,05) between solvents when they were diluted, but a significant difference (p<0,05) was observed when they were used at 100%. For CA, there was a significant (p<0,05) effect of solvent concentration, both studied solvents at 50% provided the best results (21,34 and 21,82 mg ET/g DM with methanol and ethanol, respectively). The qualitative analysis of the extracts exhibited the presence of squalene and 2,5-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl) phenol as the major compounds with antioxidant capacity.

AUMENTO DEL CONTENIDO PROTEICO DE UNA BEBIDA A BASE DE AMARANTO (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) / INCREASING THE PROTEIN CONTENT OF AN AMARANTH (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) DRINK

The aim of this work was to increase the protein content ofan amaranth drink (Amarantole) with different proteins sources (chickpea, pea, lacto serum, powdered milk and soybean milk). Different mixtures of Amarantole-protein mix were prepared in four proportions (80:20,75:25,70:30 and 60:40). The best mixtures were selected according to the increase in the protein content and its sensory characteristics assayed by using degree of liking, preference and ranking test. Chemical and mineral composition was determined according to the AOAC techniques. Protein quality was determined by the Protein Efficiency Ratio test (PER) and in vivo digestibility. Amarantole-lacto serum show the highest percent cent in protein content (22.66 percent). The minerals more abundant in all the mixtures were Ca, K, Mg and Na. In general, all the mixtures presented highest values of PER (2.61 a 3.26) than the reference (casein PER=2.5) diet. Mixtures added of lactoserum and milk-lactoserum (88.19 y 86.0 percent) presented a similar digestibility to the casein diet (91.28 percent). In conclusion, Amarantole-lactoserum mixture showed the best characteristics concerning protein content, digestibility and PER value.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue aumentar el contenido proteico de una bebida a base de amaranto (Amaranto-le) mediante la adición de diferentes fuentes proteicas (garbanzo, alverja, lactosuero, leche en polvo, leche de soya). Se prepararon mezclas de Amarantole-fuente proteica en cuatro proporciones distintas (80:20, 75:25, 70:30 y 60:40). Las mejores mezclas fueron seleccionadas en base a su aumento en el contenido proteico y sus características organolépticas detectadas mediante pruebas de grado de satisfacción, de preferencia y de ordenamiento. La composición química y mineral de las mezclas seleccionadas fue determinada mediante técnicas del AOAC. La calidad proteica se determinó a través de la prueba de Relación de Eficiencia Proteica (REP) y la digestibilidad in vivo. Amarantole-lactosuero alcanzó el porcentaje de proteína más elevado (22.66 por ciento). Los minerales más abundantes en todas las mezclas fueron: Ca, K, Mg y Na. En general, todas las mezclas, presentaron valores de REP (2.61 a 3.26) superiores a la dieta de referencia (caseína REP=2.5). Las mezclas adicionadas de lactosuero y leche en polvo-lactosuero (88.19 y 86.0 por ciento) presentaron una digestibilidad similar a la dieta de caseína (91.28 por ciento). En conclusión, la muestra Amarantole-lactosuero fue la mezcla que presentó las mejores características en cuanto a contenido de proteína, digestibilidad y valor de REP.

Propiedades fisicoquímicas y sensoriales de harinas para preparar atole de amaranto / Physicochemical and sensory properties of flours ready to prepare an amaranth "atole"

El atole es una bebida prehispánica mexicana tradicionalmente preparada con maíz; sin embargo cereales como el arroz y el amaranto también han sido usados empleados. El objetivo fue caracterizar las propiedades fisicoquímicas y sensoriales de una harina para preparar una bebida (atole) a base de amaranto a fin de determinar su aporte nutricional. El análisis bromatológico del atole de amaranto y de las marcas comerciales (a base de maíz y arroz) fue realizado siguiendo las técnicas de la AOAC. El análisis de minerales se llevó a cabo mediante espectrofotometría de absorción atómica. La determinación de la viscosidad se realizó en un reómetro en un intervalo de temperatura de 25 a 90ºC. El perfil descriptivo cuantitativo (QDA) del atole de amaranto fue determinado por un panel de 10 jueces entrenados. El atole de amaranto presentó un mayor contenido de proteína y grasa que los atoles de maíz y arroz. En general, sodio y potasio fueron los macrominerales más abundantes. Los atoles de maíz y arroz presentaron una viscosidad constante de 20 a 84ºC, a partir de 85ºC se observó un incremento importante de ésta; en el atole de amaranto se detectó este incremento a 75ºC. Los descriptores definidos por los jueces entrenados para los perfiles descriptivos cuantitativos de los atoles de amaranto fueron: almidón, almendra/cereza, caramelo macizo, vainilla, fresa, nuez y chocolate. El atole de amaranto, respecto a los atoles de maíz y arroz, presentó el mejor perfil nutricional, destacando su aporte proteico.

Atole is a Mexican prehispanic drink prepared traditionally with corn; however, cereals as wheat, rice and amaranth have also been used. The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical and sensory properties of an amaranth flour to prepare a drink (atole) mentioned above, in order to determine its nutritive value. Proximate analysis of the amaranth, corn and rice drink flours was determined by means of official techniques of AOAC. Mineral content was carried out by atomic absorption spectrometry. Viscosity was measured in a reometer from 25 to 90ºC. The quantitative descriptive profile (QDA) of the amaranth drink was studied by a trained panel of 10 judges. Results showed that the amaranth drink flour presented the highest protein and fat content compared to corn and rice drink flours. Sodium and potassium were the most abundant minerals in all flours studied. Corn and rice drink flours showed a constant viscosity from 20 to 84ºC, to 85ºC an important increase in this parameter was observed. This increase was detected in the amaranth drink flour to 75ºC. Descriptors defined by trained judges for the QDA of the amaranth drink flours were: starch, almond/cherry, caramel, vanilla, strawberry, walnut and chocolate. The amaranth drink flour, compared to corn and rice drink flours, presented the best nutritional profile; it is important to emphasize its protein content.

Determinación del contenido de gliadinas en alimentos elaborados con amaranto, quínoa y/o chía / Gliadins determination in food elaborated with amaranth, quínoa and/or chía

Amaranth, quínoa and chía are naturally gluten-free products that may be used in a celiac diet. An ELISA, using R-Biopharm RIDASCREEN gliadin, was used to determine a possible cross contamination with gliadins. Thirty-seven samples of foods with these ingredients were analyzed. Nine samples had levels higher than 20 mglKg, the maximum gluten level established by Codex Alimentarius: three of them were cereal bars with the inscription is in TACC and/or ìwithout gluteni, two were cereal bars without inscriptions about gluten content, one was a mixture of ground seeds, others were pop amaranth and quínoa crops (sold at retail) and the last was an amaranth flour which was labeled ifor celiac patients. Twenty-eight remaining samples had gluten content below 20 mglKg. Foods elaborated with amaranth, quínoa and/or chía are suitable for celiac patients. However, the manufacturers must apply good manufacturing practices in all the different steps in gluten-free foodstuff production and celiac patients should not buy these products when they are sold at retail, because of possible cross contamination that can occur at the stores.

Amaranto, quínoa y chía, por ser naturalmente libres de gluten, pueden ser incorporados en la dieta celíaca. Con el objeto de evaluar una posible contaminación cruzada con gliadinas no permitidas, se analizaron 37 alimentos con estos ingredientes mediante un enzi-moinmunoensayo utilizando RIDASCREEN gliadin de R-Biopharm. Considerando el contenido máximo de gluten establecido por el Codex Alimentarius (20 mg/ Kg), nueve productos superaron la norma: tres barras de cereales que declaraban "sin TACC" y/o "no contiene gluten", dos barras de cereales que no tenían ninguna declaración respecto del contenido de gluten, una mezcla de semillas molidas, una muestra de amaranto popeado comprado al detalle, una muestra de semillas de quinoa comprada suelta en un mercado de la provincia de Salta y una muestra de harina de amaranto envasada que declaraba "apto para celíacos". En las veintiocho muestras restantes se evidenció un contenido de gluten inferior a los 20 mg/Kg. Los productos elaborados con amaranto, quínoa y/o chía son seguros para personas con celiaquía; sin embargo, los fabricantes deben implementar buenas prácticas de manufactura en las diferentes etapas de elaboración de alimentos libres de gluten y las personas celíacas no deben consumir alimentos supuestamente aptos que se expenden al detalle, por la posible contaminación cruzada que puede darse en los comercios.

Contenido de aceite, ácidos grasos y escualeno en variedades crudas y procesadas de grano de amaranto / The oil, fatty acid and squalene content of varieties of raw and processed grain amaranth

Seis variedades de Amaranto fueron procesadas para dar una harina cruda, una nixtamalizada, una cocida en agua, otra expandida, una malteada y una laminada después de un tratamiento térmico. Los valores analíticos en estas muestras se compararon con los valores en una muestra cruda. Los granos crudos contenían de 14.5 por ciento a 15.1 por ciento de proteína, 5.9 a 6.7 de grasa, y 2.3 por ciento a 3.2 por ciento de cenizas. Las harinas de las variedades de diferentes procesos dieron un contenido de grasa que varía entre 6.4 por ciento - 7.0 por ciento. Las harinas de procesos en seco contenían mas aceite que las de procesos en húmedo (cocida en agua). El aceite de tres variedades y de 4 procesos fue analizado por su contenido de ácidos grasos, dando en promedio 17.85 por ciento de C16:0, 68.1 por ciento de oleico + linoléico, 3.86 por ciento C18:3, 5.1 por ciento de C20:0 y cantidades menores de C20:1 y C22:0. El contenido de escualeno en el aceite de las harinas de los diferentes procesos fue de 7.0-9.6 g/100 g para la harina cruda, de 8.1-12.6 g/100 g para la de cocción húmeda, 9.0-12.7 g/100 g para la nixtamalizada, 10.1-12.8 g/100 g para la expandida, 9.0-11.2 g/100 g para la malteada y 6.0-9.5 g/100 g para la harina laminada.

Six amaranth grain varieties were processed to yield a nixtamalized flour, one cooked in water, one expanded, a malted one and a laminate samples after a thermic treatment. The chemical values of the raw samples contained from 14.5 percent to 15.1 percent protein, 5.9 to 6.7 percent ether extract and from 2.3 percent to 3.2 percent ash on a dry weight basis. The flours from the different processes yield products with a fat content which varied from 6.4 percent to 7.0 percent for the 6 varieties. The flours coming from dry heat processing contained higher oil levels than those flours coming from wet processes. The oil from only 3 varieties and from 4 processes were analyzed from its fatty acid composition. The oil contained on the average 17.85 percent of C16:0, 68.1 percent of stearic, olic and linoleic acids, 3.86 percent of C18:3, 5.1 percent of C20:0 and small amounts of C20:1 and C22:0. The squalene content in the oil of the processed flours varied from 7.0 to 9.6 g/100 g for the raw flour, 8.1 - 12.6 g/100 g for the flour from wet cooking in water, 9.0 -12.7g/100 g for the flour from the nixtamalization process, 10.1-12.8g/100 g for the expanded grain flour, 9.0 to 11.2 g/100 g for the malted flour and 6.0 -9.5 g/100 g for the laminated grain flour. The squalene averages per process showed statistical significant differences.